Name: Texas Chocolate Pecan Pie Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 9-inch deep dish premade crust; 1 jar hot fudge sauce 12oz jar; 3 large eggs; 1/4 cup light brown sugar; 1/4 cup heavy whipping cream; 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract; 1 teaspoon kosher salt; 3 cups chopped pecans; 2/3 cup mini chocolate chips

Jump to Recipe· 4.7 from 9 reviews

If you’re in the mood for a dessert that feels like a warm Texas hug, you have to try this Texas Chocolate Pecan Pie Recipe. It’s rich, gooey, and full of that irresistible pecan crunch, with a decadent chocolate twist that totally takes this classic to the next level. Trust me, once you make this, it’ll be your go-to pie for holidays, dinner parties, or any occasion that warrants an extra special treat.

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Why This Recipe Works

Balanced Sweetness: Combining hot fudge and brown sugar gives just the right depth without being overly sweet.
Pecan Crunch: Using a mix of chopped pecans inside and whole halves on top adds texture and visual appeal.
Simple Prep: Utilizing a premade crust and jarred hot fudge keeps it easy without sacrificing flavor.
Moist & Creamy Filling: A touch of heavy cream and eggs make the filling just set and ultra-smooth.

A whole pecan pie with one crust layer forming a light golden brown edge with a scalloped pattern around the rim, filled with a dense dark brown sugary layer covered evenly with chopped pecans on top, clustered pecans placed neatly in the center, all set on a white marbled surface next to two small white pumpkins, a bouquet of yellow flowers on a beige and orange plaid cloth, a stack of two white patterned plates with two golden forks on top, and a dark pie server nearby, photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

Every ingredient in this Texas Chocolate Pecan Pie Recipe plays a key role in bringing out that luscious texture and flavor. Plus, the shopping list is straightforward, so grabbing what you need won’t be a hassle. I always make sure to get good quality pecans and real vanilla extract—it really makes a difference!

Pie crust: Going premade means no stress on rolling or chilling dough. A deep dish gives room for all that filling to shine.
Hot fudge sauce: This is your chocolate game-changer. Using a jarred version keeps things simple but still ultra rich.
Eggs: Eggs act as the binder that sets the filling perfectly while keeping it creamy.
Light brown sugar: Adds moisture and a subtle caramel note that you don’t want to skip.
Heavy whipping cream: Cream adds richness and balances the sweetness with a silky finish.
Pure vanilla extract: A splash boosts all the other flavors making the chocolate and pecans pop.
Kosher salt: Just a pinch to balance sweetness and enhance depth of flavor.
Chopped pecans: Tossed right into the filling for that signature Texas crunch.
Mini chocolate chips: These little guys melt into pockets of chocolate delight throughout the pie.

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Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Tweak to Your Taste

One of the best parts about this Texas Chocolate Pecan Pie Recipe is how easy it is to make your own. I’ve played with it a bit over time, and each tweak brings a new spin that might become your new favorite. Don’t be afraid to make it yours!

Variation: Sometimes I swap mini chocolate chips for chopped dark chocolate chunks for a less sweet, richer bite—love how it melts unevenly and surprises you.
Dietary Adaptation: If you’re avoiding dairy, you can substitute the heavy cream with coconut cream; it changes the flavor slightly but still keeps that luxurious texture.
Nut-Free: I once experimented by swapping pecans with walnuts for a milder nutty note when I was out of pecans, and it worked pretty well!

Step-by-Step: How I Make Texas Chocolate Pecan Pie Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Pie Shell

First things first: heat your oven up to 350°F. While it’s warming, set your deep dish pie crust on a foil-lined cookie sheet. The foil catch keeps any drips from making a mess in your oven—believe me, it saves you from a nasty cleanup.

Step 2: Warm the Hot Fudge

Next, open your jar of hot fudge sauce, remove the lid and film, and microwave it for about 40 seconds. The warm fudge becomes more pourable and easier to mix in, which ensures even chocolate throughout your pie. I find this step crucial for smoothness.

Step 3: Whisk Together the Filling

Pour the warmed fudge into a large mixing bowl. Then whisk in the eggs, brown sugar, heavy cream, vanilla extract, and kosher salt until the mixture is silky smooth and fully combined. You want to avoid lumps here, so take your time with this step. The filling should look glossy and luscious.

Step 4: Add the Nuts and Chocolate

Fold in the mini chocolate chips, and about a third of the chopped pecans. This layering inside the pie means every forkful has that perfect nutty crunch along with melty chocolate pockets. Be gentle folding so the filling stays fluffy and the chips don’t melt too soon.

Step 5: Pour, Top, and Bake

Pour your filling into the pie crust and then sprinkle the rest of the pecans on top. I like placing pecan halves for that beautiful finishing touch that makes this pie look like a showstopper. Bake for 40 to 45 minutes until the center is just set—you’re looking for a gentle jiggle in the middle but not liquidy.

Step 6: Cool Completely Before Serving

This is a biggie—let the pie cool all the way through before slicing. The filling firms up as it cools, making it easier to cut neat slices that hold their shape. I usually leave it on the counter for a couple of hours, and sometimes pop it in the fridge to speed things along.

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Pro Tips for Making Texas Chocolate Pecan Pie Recipe

Use a Foil-Lined Baking Sheet: It catches drips and saves your oven, especially with gooey fillings—learned this the hard way once!
Don’t Skip Heating the Fudge: Warm fudge blends better and prevents clumping in the filling for smooth consistency.
Watch Your Bake Time: Start checking at 40 minutes to avoid overbaking, which can dry out the pie and toughen the crust.
Let It Rest Before Cutting: Patience means cleaner slices and less filling ooze—waiting really pays off here.

How to Serve Texas Chocolate Pecan Pie Recipe

A close-up view of a slice of pecan pie being held by a woman's hand with a pie server above a white marbled surface. The slice has three distinct layers: a thin, light beige crust at the bottom and edges; a thick, glossy, dark brown filling in the middle that looks smooth and rich; and a top layer densely covered with whole and halved shiny pecans in various shades of brown, giving a crunchy texture. The slice is taken from a larger pecan pie in a foil pie dish that is partially visible below. In the blurry background, there are two pale yellow pumpkins and a woman's hand with dark red nail polish holding the pie server. The scene is softly lit, emphasizing the pie's glossy and textured surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

I usually top slices with a small dollop of lightly whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream. Sometimes I sprinkle a few finely chopped pecans on top for extra crunch. The cold creaminess pairs so well with the warm, nutty richness of the pie.

Side Dishes

This pie is a star on its own, but I love serving it with a fresh cup of strong black coffee or a lightly spiced chai tea. If it’s a festive meal, some fresh fruit or a simple green salad on the side helps balance all that sweet richness.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I arrange the pie slices on a rustic wooden board with small bowls of extra chocolate chips, pecans, and whipped cream for guests to customize their slice. It turns dessert into an interactive experience! I’ve also drizzled warmed caramel sauce over the top for an extra decadent touch.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I cover leftover pie tightly with plastic wrap or foil and keep it in the refrigerator. It stays fresh and delicious for about 3 to 5 days. I’ve found that the flavors actually deepen a bit after resting overnight in the fridge.

Freezing

Freezing works great if you want to save some pie for later. Wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe container. When I thaw them, I just pop slices in the fridge overnight and they taste nearly as fresh as day one.

Reheating

To warm up leftovers, I place the slices in a 300°F oven for about 10 minutes or until heated through. This keeps the crust crisp and the filling soft without melting the pecans too much. Avoid microwaving if you want to preserve texture.

FAQs

Can I make this Texas Chocolate Pecan Pie Recipe from scratch without a premade crust?

Absolutely! If you love making pie dough, a homemade crust will add extra buttery flavor and flakiness. Just be sure to use a 9-inch deep dish pie plate to hold all that filling, and adjust your baking time slightly if the crust is thinner or thicker than the premade ones.
What type of chocolate works best for the mini chips?

Mini semi-sweet chocolate chips work perfectly because they melt evenly and balance the sweetness of the brown sugar and fudge. If you prefer a richer or less sweet pie, try bittersweet or dark chocolate chips instead.
How do I know when the pie center is fully baked?

Look for a center that’s mostly set with just a slight jiggle when you gently shake the pan. It will firm up more as it cools, so avoid waiting until it’s completely solid to prevent it from drying out.
Can I make this pie ahead of time?

Yes, this pie actually benefits from making ahead! The flavors marry beautifully after resting overnight in the fridge. Just be sure to cover it well to keep it fresh.

Final Thoughts

This Texas Chocolate Pecan Pie Recipe is one of those desserts I pull out when I want to wow friends or family without hours of fuss. There’s something about the combo of warm chocolate, crunchy pecans, and that custardy filling that hits all the right comfort food notes. If you try it, I hope you find yourself smitten just like me—and you’ll want to keep making it for years to come. So let’s get baking, and make sure to slice yourself a generous piece to enjoy with a cup of coffee or a scoop of ice cream!